4.
"Our groups and service work are guided by the principles of the 12
Steps of D.R.A."

A core principle behind the
Fourth Tradition is that by practicing the principles found in the
Twelve Steps for dual recovery at the level of the Group, DRA
unity is preserved and our network of support and service is
enhanced.

IN OUR OWN WORDS: Members
share their thoughts on the Fourth Tradition

They say in
the Twelfth Step to practice these principles in all our affairs. What
better place to put the Steps to use than when interacting with my Group
and doing Service Work for DRA?

Our Group does a lot of service
projects and I love to be involved in the decision making processes. We
apply the Steps and Traditions and it allows us to to get things done in
ways that I rarely see out in the world. I mean, we are a really diverse
bunch, but no one is afraid to make mistakes because we've learned how to
quickly make amends and move on. So we have a kind of spontaneity that
produces new and invigorating ideas all the while focusing our efforts on
our Primary Purpose and what's best for DRA as a whole. Amazing what we
can achieve.

DRA
Groups are sort of like people. They learn and grow, make mistakes, and
hopefully learn from those mistakes. Groups and people are not perfect.
They need some structure and support. The Steps are said to be good
principles for people to live by. They also really support the Unity of
our Group by helping to make sure that our Service Work Committees are
guided by principles such as love, patience, honesty, and
acceptance.

Doing
Service Work has helped me personally learn how to "practice these
principles in all (my) affairs". I'm really shy and I've never had a
real job. I don't have a lot of experience relating and interacting with a
bunch of different people. Being secretary and helping out on the picnic committee
has really helped me.